Music for All Ages

The city offers a number of music venues that host shows for students of all ages.

Over the years, the Miramar Theatre (2844 N. Oakland Ave.) near UW-Milwaukee has seen many renovations and rebirths. That flair for change can be seen in its entertainment lineups. “We present an eclectic variety of entertainment, from jam bands, dubstep, rock, goth, metal, bluegrass, etc. to plays, comedy, burlesque, carnival and variety shows,” owner William Stace says. “We take suggestions for shows and try to showcase what college students and adults would like to see.”

Turner Hall (1034 N. Fourth St.), housed in ahistoric building in the heart of Downtown (across from the Bradley Center), has deep roots in Milwaukee's German culture. The upstairs ballroom, operated by the same folks who run the Pabst and Riverside theaters, presents a fashionably distressed setting for a wide variety of concerts. Turner was awarded the "Venue of the Year" at the 2010 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards.

The Rave and Eagles Ballroom (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave.)are inside yet another landmark, the old Eagles Club down the avenue from Marquette University. Rave Hall and Eagles Ballroom are the largest and best-known venues, but the edifice houses no less than seven different stages, including the Eagles Hall, Penthouse Lounge, Rave Bar, Rave Vibe Room, and RockStar Lounge.

“Ninety-nine percent of our shows are all ages, meaning anyone can attend,” a staffer notes. “However, you still must be 21 to drink alcohol. A handful of shows during the year are 18-plus, and those shows will be clearly marked on our calendar.”

The outdoor Marcus Amphitheater is the musical crown jewel of Milwaukee's lakefront. With a capacity of 23,000, it holds more spectators than the Bradley Center—with the added bonus of spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee skyline.

Most of its shows occur during the summer months, especially during the 11 days of Summerfest. For more information, visit www.marcusamp.com.